Office of Program Integrity

The Office of Program Integrity (OPI) consists of several units which function to ensure the eligibility of Social Service customers, the integrity of Social Service programs and the prevention of Welfare fraud. It is important to report suspected fraud to ensure that County tax dollars are being used for the intended reason -- to help those in need.

Fraud UnitThe Fraud Unit receives and investigates allegations of Welfare fraud made by the community as well as agency staff. Evidence of criminal conduct is referred for prosecution by the District Attorney. An administrative law process exists which seeks repayment and disqualification if Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits are obtained improperly, but the situation does not meet the criminal prosecution standards. Every incorrect issuance of Temporary Assistance, Medical Assistance, SNAP, and Child Care benefits must be evaluated as to the cause and a repayment must be pursued. Payments may be the result of a recoupment against future benefits, voluntary payment, or may result from an offset against a tax refund or gambling and lottery winnings.

Allegations of Welfare fraud may be reported to the unit in a variety of ways:

Intentional Program ViolationAn Intentional Program Violation (IPV) is an act of any person who applies for or receives assistance (Temporary Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid) and who intentionally misrepresents, conceals or withholds facts for the purpose of establishing or maintaining eligibility or the level of benefits. A person found guilty of committing an IPV by a civil, criminal or administrative court can be subject to court ordered penalties including being disqualified from receiving benefits. Westchester OPI reviews, investigates and refers cases for the determination of Intentional Program Violations and also monitors the implementation of the resulting penalties.

FEDs UnitThe Front End Detection Unit or FEDs, conducts investigations and office interviews on applications for child care and cash assistance, including those from families, single adults, or married couples.

Computer Matches UnitThis unit uses computer matches with participating states' databases to identify potential duplicate assistance on behalf of an individual or family. The process monitors Cash Assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits. Computer matches with criminal justice databases yield information on customers that may be currently incarcerated or have outstanding warrants which render them ineligible for public benefits. Coordination exists with all levels of law enforcement to ensure timely closing of ineligible cases.

Field Investigations and Child Care Audit (FICCA) UnitAs the name suggests, the FICCA Unit does most of their work in the field; making visits to both recipients and vendors of Child Care Subsidies (CCS) benefits. They investigate allegations of CCS recipient fraud as well as conduct FEDS investigations on CCS applications and applicants. Further, they support the TA FEDs staff by performing investigations where field visits may be necessary to verify an applicant’s receipt of temporary assistance.